NEWS DESK Police patrol Lights out but somebody’s home
With Stephen Taylor
SLEEPING on the job took on a whole new meaning last week when a man was found semi-conscious in the roof of a chemist’s shop hours after it had been burgled. Detective Shaun Rampal, of Frankston CIU, said the Frankston man, 29, may have fallen unconscious after consuming prescription drugs allegedly stolen from shelves during the early morning raid. Police were called to Chemist Warehouse on Wells Street after staff heard banging and thumping in the ceiling, 5.30pm, Saturday 18 August. They were unsure whether the noise was caused by a person or a trapped animal until a man’s head appeared through a hole in the ceiling. Frankston CFA crews used a ladder to bring him down. CCTV footage showed a man gaining access to the store through the roof and rifling the shelves at 3am, 14 hours earlier. He then scampered back into the ceiling cavity where he remained until his movements alerted staff. The man was taken to Frankston Hospital for treatment. He was expected to be charged with burglary upon his release from hospital, Detective Rampal said.
Thefts lead to charges
A FRANKSTON man was charged with 33 counts including theft of, and from, cars, as well as theft and
handling stolen goods when arrested in Chelsea last week. The 42-year-old allegedly committed the offences in the Frankston and Chelsea areas from 22 July-16 August. Detective Senior Constable James Keegan, of Frankston CIU, said the man was apprehended in a stolen vehicle while allegedly attempting to jump-start another vehicle, Thursday 16 August. A set of number plates in his possession were linked to another stolen car. He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, 24 September.
Home-made bomb explodes FIERY debris from a home-made explosive device detonated in Karingal in the early hours was scattered up to 70 metres and “could have killed or seriously injured someone”, police said. Detective Senior Constable Bernard Dowling, of Frankston CIU, said neighbours alerted by fiery rumblings in the street, 1am, Friday 17 August, called police to the scene on Karingal Drive. They arrived to witness three explosions in which petrol-filled aerosol cans were set alight and “firing like rockets”. The explosions sent shrapnel flying through the air and melted bitumen beneath. A 16-year-old Karingal youth was charged with making an explosive device and conduct endangering persons. He will appear before a children’s court at a later date.
Cheeky punch
A MAN who was punched in the face at a Frankston hotel fell backwards unconscious, 10.50pm, Saturday 18 August. Detective Sergeant Alistair Boyd, of Frankston CIU, said the 41-year-old Langwarrin man was later found to be not seriously injured in the alleged attack at The Cheeky Squire. Detectives say they expect to interview the alleged attacker soon.
Car set alight
TWO men used an accelerant to set fire to a car in the Carrum Downs shopping centre car park, 3.45pm, Wednesday 15 August. They ran off in a westerly direction when shoppers came on the scene at the corner of Ballarto and McCormicks roads. One man is described as 170cm tall wearing a grey hoodie. The possibly stolen car was destroyed. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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Pole-axed
A NUMBER plate left at the scene of a collision on Cranbourne Road, Langwarrin, was an easy pointer for police to the car’s owner and address. Soon after midnight on Saturday 18 August, Somerville Highway Patrol found a light pole knocked down in the centre median strip near Centre Road. It was blocking an east and westbound lane. The car involved had left the scene, but inquiries led police to a nearby house where they found the vehicle and its 20-year-old owner. The man, who was not injured, said he was making a right-hand turn from Centre Road into Cranbourne Road when he lost control after accelerating too fast on the wet road. He was breath-tested at Frankston police station where he allegedly blew 0.144 per cent. His probationary licence was suspended and he will be summonsed to appear at court. He faces a substantial fine and a lengthy loss of licence, police said. The still-driveable XR6 Ford ute was impounded for 30 days with a release fee of $961. The man must fit an alcohol interlock device to any vehicle he drives for a minimum of six months when he regains his licence. “This young man now has no licence, no car, heavy fines and ran the risk of seriously injuring himself and other people,” police said.
Undersized, over-filled
A CAR towing a box trailer full of metal sheeting on the FrankstonDandenong Road, Seaford, was pulled over and the driver fined,
Mornington Peninsula Shire is investigating alternative traffic plans to using the southern peninsula freeway reserve to reduce traffic congestion, and you are invited to provide thoughts on a preliminary investigation report.
Community consultation is currently open and closes 5pm Monday 15 October.
The investigation looks at ideas for short, medium and long-term traffic congestion management options as alternatives to using the southern peninsula freeway reserve through the environmentally and culturally significant Tootgarook Wetlands.
Wednesday 19 September, 5 – 8pm Rosebud Memorial Hall, 994 Point Nepean Road
In person Surveys are also available to be completed in hard copy form at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville. Email with the subject line ‘Southern Peninsula Traffic Investigation’ to haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au
For more information mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Southern Peninsula News
28 August 2018
REVELLERS who allegedly threw beer glasses from a balcony in a Mornington shopping strip are being sought by police. The incidents occurred around 10.30pm, Saturday 18 August, outside a licenced venue in Main Street. Police said a glass was thrown onto the road below endangering the public. While they were investigating another glass was allegedly thrown from the balcony narrowly missing a policeman and a police van. Anyone with information should call Mornington police 5970 4900 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Unlocking traffic congestion on the Southern Peninsula
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Shattered glasses
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23 September 2018 Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, & 1km Kids Race Mornington Park, Mornington
Wednesday 22 August. He told Somerville Highway Patrol police he was taking the load to the recyclers. Despite having an orange flag on the end the load was still considered inappropriate and dangerous to other road users. The driver was fined $242 for breaching load limit rules as box trailers are not permitted any rear overhang – flag or no flag. Police urge drivers to plan ahead and use the correct size vehicle or trailer for their load, or perhaps consider having oversize goods delivered by the store.
Drop in sessions Thursday 6 September, 5 – 8pm Tootgarook Community Hall, 30 Barry Street
Each drop in session will also have two general presentations starting at 5.30pm and 7pm.
In writing Attention: Traffic and Transport Team Re: Southern Peninsula Traffic Investigation Mornington Peninsula Shire Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939 Online mornpen.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay